[WTB] Vector signal generator (E4438, SMIQ or similar)

[davorin]

Here I come again....some Paypal money to spend (o;

Looking for a vector signal generator as company for a E4406A....
As I'm a hobbyist and use those devices for self study....you know the budget is not commercial (o;

[ivaylo]

E4438 seem to be still holding $2K+ prices on eBay. Just got http://www.ebay.com/itm/281821249186 for under $1K. Seems to be working so far. Same purposes as you...

[xtech]

For self study purposes rather build your own: there is nice TRF372017 0.3-4.8GHz IQ modulator chip + diff amp on input (AD8132 if remember correctly) and MMIC PA and programmed attenuator on ouput plus controller (even arduino will be good). Even on cheap FR4 board it will work will acceptable parameters.

I've used this chip in the past on FPGA SDR platform so I can recommend it but I'm sure there are others with build-in PLL.

[davorin]

Has anyone used the Signalhound vector signal generator?

Or can a platform like the HackRF be used as well for a vector signal generator?